The Dillards “Wheatstraw Suite”
The Dillards are a pioneering bluegrass group that got started releasing tight as hell traditional records and performing as the hillbilly band on The Andy Griffith Show during the early 60s. Their legacy has been influence to the best in bluegrass, newgrass, country and folk rock and their most significant contribution is thought of as the Sweetheart Of The Rodeo of bluegrass, Wheatstraw Suite.
It may not be as revered or rugged as Sweetheart, having a cleaner sound akin to that of the Beau Brummel’s country rock work, but it oughta’ be every bit as influential. While still present are the exquisite and precise harmonies and tear-apart banjo ripping from Doug Dillard, added to the mix we find orchestral parts, electric instruments and drums. These are big no-no’s in the world of trad bluegrass but the hallmarks of pop rock, and so there you have it. Combine this set-up with a strong set of tunes from multiple disciplines and stir for breakthrough classic status.
Nobody Knows is an instant winner and felled me in love with this record right away with that intricately produced Bradley’s Barn sound. There are a few silly fun numbers in Hey Boys, The Biggest Whatever, and the cowboy tune Single Saddle. These are the tunes that turn people off to this record, but they are good enough to be included I believe. You’ll be happy you stayed for the delicate and different Lemon Chimes and great poetic country song She Sang Hymns Out Of Tune. Don’t You Cry and Bending The Strings just seriously cook. And great choices in covers from Tim Hardin and the Beatles’ I’ve Just Seen A Face.
“I’ve Just Seen A Face”
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I always liked it when the hillbillys on Andy Griffith came to town and they jammed a little bit. Was not aware they were a “real” group!. Good stuff and nice post!
Great blog
Casey November 30, 2007 @ 12:40 am
I guess I should have mentioned they were known as The Darlings on the show. Great band name. Here’s them singing “Dooley”:
Brendan November 30, 2007 @ 9:27 am
Super clip of a real classic show… I too, always thought these guys might just be actors. But I looked at their hands and realized, they are picking by golly…Super talented indeed. Looked them up and was greatly surprised to see that they had been a “real band”.
Loved this site and the info and hope others discover this fun fact too! Also their cover of the Beatle’s song, I’ve just seen a face is fantastic….check out the clip and enjoy!
nan May 29, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
I’d love to find the song and/or lyrics to the song SINGLE SADDLE which I remember from my childhood in about 1950. Pls reply to MarthaHolmesNYC@aol.com
Martha Holmes November 1, 2008 @ 10:53 am
Absolutely the best bluegrass in the world. But i’m biased maybe since they’re from my little home town of Salem, MO. Another of the great unsung (pun intended) musical heroes of the 60’s and 70’s. Incredible talent, really.
One of my very favorite cuts (and I have many) is from their Homecoming Album, “I’ll settle down and let the river roll on”. It is genius for Doug to start out this song with a rock/soul flavor like Clapton or J. Beck on an electric guitar and then to switch mid-way thru the song to his kick-ass, unmatchable banjo picking to finish it out in pure, traditional bluegrass. Genius I tell you.
kd in FL April 9, 2009 @ 6:00 pm